Nels Ingvald Peterson, 95, of Burlington, Washington passed away December 27, 2022, in the home that he built with his family by his side.

Born April 4, 1927, in Pickardville, North Dakota, he was the son of Anders and Josephine (Moskvil) Peterson.  He grew up on the family farm in Sheridan County and attended Pickard School #2, through the 8 ^th grade.  Nels was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mercer, ND.

In May of 1945, he entered the United States Navy and served in World War II until August of 1946, when he was honorably discharged and returned home to farm with his father.  He later reenlisted in the Navy from April of 1950 through February of 1952, serving in the Korean War.

In 1949, he met his future wife in Seattle, and on September 25, 1953, was united in marriage to Bernice in Bismarck, North Dakota.  The couple then made their home in the Skagit Valley in 1954.  They were married for 55 years.

For many years, he was employed as a truck driver, working various jobs throughout Skagit County before retiring in 1989.

Among his memberships were the Edison and Burlington Lutheran Churches, American Legion Post 91, Teamsters Union, The Old Time Fiddlers and The Renegades.

Nels was a quiet and humble man who would help anyone with anything and give the shirt off his back but wanted no attention or credit in return.  During his retirement, he volunteered for many years at the Helping Hands Food Bank and played music at retirement and nursing homes until it was no longer possible, due to Covid.

He enjoyed going to dances in his younger years, camping and fishing with family, playing music for others, watching his grandchildren's sports and activities, and playing a good game of Solitaire or Bingo.

Survivors include his son, Ronnie Peterson; granddaughters, Josett (Korey) Comstock and Jacqueline (Julio) Resendiz; great-grandchildren, Kelci and Allie Comstock and Lezly, Andrea, Alex, Gaby, Elizabeth, Mya, and Sophia Resendiz, all of the family home in Burlington; step-son, David (Mimi) Miller and their children, Skip Knutsen, Carla Jones and Christy Speer; grandsons, Vince (Tammy) Miller and Jeff Miller; "chosen daughter," Lita Duby and her children, Adam Lange, Melissa Williams and Beth Gholson; brother, Leif (Cindy) Peterson; special great-nephew, Luke Peterson; numerous other nephews and nieces, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Bernice 'Bea'; four brothers, Lawrence, Pete, George and Heckon; sister, Hanna; stepson, Duane Miller; grandson, Michael Miller.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00, Monday, January 9, 2023, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, followed by a Committal at Greenhills Memorial Cemetery, Burlington, with Military Honors.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of Hospice of the Northwest for their care and kindness to Nels during his short time at home on hospice care.  Share memories of Nels and sign the online guest register.